LookAtVietnam – Temperatures in HCM City will rise above 38°C from late March to mid April, warns the southern hydro-meteorological forecasting centre.

The meteorologist said that climate change would ultimately increase the incidence of measles and petechial fever. (Photo: VNN)

The temperature in HCM City and neighbouring Dong Nai Province reached 35°C early this month and were likely to rise to above 36°C in the next few days, she said.

The temperature rose to 36.6°C in HCM City during February, the highest for more than 30 years.

But the heat would last only 4-5 days and was likely to be followed by unusually heavy rain.

The abnormal weather was a likely health threat, particularly to the old - especially those who suffered high blood pressure - and children.

The meteorologist said that climate change would ultimately increase the incidence of measles and petechial fever.

Hail, lightning and swirling winds were likely with the higher temperatures in southern Viet Nam where 20 people die each year from lightning strikes.

The meteorologist attributed the change to global warming and urbanisation.

Epidemics

HCM City Health Department physician Dr Phan Van Nghiem said the heat and rain would create the danger of epidemics in both adults and children.

“Changes of climate early this year led to the outbreak of measles and rubella and made it difficult to keep the diseases under control,” he said.

The weather would cause respiratory difficulties and rot cooking, thus causing digestive disorders.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News